Homes need repair, but community amenities abound in northwest Joplin
Chitwood is an established neighborhood offering the peace and quiet of an off-the-beaten-path location in Joplin's northwest corner. A mixture of homes presents opportunities, including smaller fixer-uppers available at a low entry point. At the same time, new builds with traditional features represent the continued growth and development of the neighborhood. "There is big community involvement and entertainment centered around Schifferdecker Park," says Robert Dodson, a Realtor with Charles Burt Realtors, who has been selling in the area since 2013.
Early 20th-century homes ranging in condition
Single-family homes surround the northeast corner of the park. These include shotgun-style homes, bungalows and minimal traditional homes dating as far back as 1900, which can vary in condition. "They all need work, and some need more than others," says Scott Bailes, a part-time Realtor of two and a half years with Charles Burt Realtors. "The one I'm selling needs everything — they'll need to upgrade the electrical, the plumbing." On the lower end are homes around 600 square feet for $30,000. On the higher end, there are move-in-ready new traditional homes built after 2011 that can go for up to $200,000. Smaller yet well-maintained front yards with minimal landscaping and short-cut grass are common across the neighborhood. Newer homes have wide, paved driveways with attached garages, but street parking is also common.
Golf, swimming and sports at Schifferdecker Park
Outdoor space is a highlight of Chitwood, which is within walking distance of one of Joplin's larger parks. Schifferdecker Park has various amenities spread out over its 160-acre, square-shaped area. The Schifferdecker Aquatic Center is a mini water park with slides, a lazy river, a rock wall and a concession area. The Schifferdecker Golf Course is the only public 18-hole course in the city. It's open year-round thanks to the indoor golf simulator, which opened in 2017. Sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a playground and picnic pavilions also dot the park's open, grassy expanse. The Joplin Athletic Complex, situated on the park's north end, is a community hub for recreational and competitive baseball, softball, soccer and tennis. "If people have kids involved in sports, that's where the majority of that is going to take place," Dodson says.
Jefferson Elementary encourages community involvement
Chitwood is part of the Joplin School District, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche. Younger students have a short trip to school, with the B-minus-rated Jefferson Elementary located just east of the neighborhood. Jefferson Kids Giving Back encourages kids to get involved in the community through service projects and volunteer opportunities. The TREK program also provides extra support through after-school tutoring by appointment with the students' teachers. Older students may progress to North Middle School, which also earns a B-minus, and Joplin High School, which earns a C-plus.
Thin crust pizza at Woody's
Despite being on the outskirts of town, this neighborhood does not lack shopping and dining options. Just south, historic Route 66, known locally as Seventh Street, is a growing commercial corridor and the city's main east-west route. Walmart Supercenter is a go-to option for groceries, furniture, and other household supplies. Seventh has a variety of fast-food options such as Starbucks, Long John Silver's and Domino's Pizza, but the locally owned restaurants also draw attention. Woody's Wood-Fire Pizza Bar and Oven offers a sampling of different flavors with a pizza buffet lunch. Guitars Rock N' Country Bar is a lively nighttime hangout spot for drinks, bull riding, live music and dancing.
Summer concerts at Schifferdecker
Northwest Joplin has a unique events scene. Schifferdecker Park hosts the Heartland Concert Band of Joplin's annual summer concert series, a new event that kicked off in 2024. Locals enjoy instrumental Broadway tunes, movie theme songs and other pieces from lawn chairs and blankets. Schifferdecker has also hosted the Joplin Police Department's National Night Out, featuring a free swim at the Aquatic Center and an outdoor movie under the stars.
Second Street leads to downtown Joplin
Chitwood is walkable to several neighborhood amenities. Although it doesn't have sidewalks, it's a low-traffic area. When leaving the neighborhood, driving may be preferable since Joplin lacks public buses and bike lanes. Downtown Joplin is 2 and a half miles east via Second Street. There are paratransit services by appointment through the Metro Area Public Transit System. Seven miles north, Joplin Regional Airport offers nonstop flights to Denver and Chicago. In case of emergency, Freeman Hospital West is about 4 miles south, with a Level II trauma center.
Joplin is located in Tornado Alley
Tornadoes are a possibility in Joplin. In 2011, the city experienced the country's deadliest tornado in modern history, which destroyed or damaged about 8,000 structures and killed 161 people. Many of the city's elementary schools have community safe rooms open to residents who live nearby. Some Chitwood residents living on the neighborhood's east side can access the safe room at Jefferson Elementary.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Nicholas Sanders,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Schifferdecker Park
Playground North
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Chitwood
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chitwood, Joplin sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Chitwood, Joplin over the last 12 months is $141,633, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$155,750
Median Single Family Price
$155,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$109
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median List Price
$156,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
17
Median Year Built
1999
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,308
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,560
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicholas Sanders,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
531
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,347
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,305
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.9%
College Graduates
14.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
15/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
